Based on advanced communications technology deployed by the world's military forces in harsh and challenging noise environments, the QUIETPRO QP100Ex represents the next generation of "intelligent communication technologies" for use in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Workers on offshore oil platforms and in other extreme environments can face life-threatening risks during each and every hour of their shift. Maintaining adequate levels of speech communications and situational awareness, and protection from permanent hearing loss due to exposure to high levels of hazardous noise, are among those that are critical to maintaining their own personal safety and long-term well-being.

Honeywell has tested the QP100Ex on platforms with leading international oil and gas companies in the North Sea. In a two-year study, platform workers were assigned their own QP100Ex unit as they performed their duties — ranging from drilling to working in the compressor rooms, to the machine rooms, to the helicopter decks.

QUIETPRO QP100Ex features include:

The clearest communication and situational awareness in rapidly changing, high-noise environments. Connected to two-way com radios, QUIETPRO QP100Ex allows users to hear communication without compromising listening quality, even in high-noise situations. Through its in-ear headset, QUIETPRO QP100Ex captures voice transmission inside the ear canal via air conduction, enabling users to speak at a normal level and be heard by the person on the other radio without picking up environmental noises — compressors or pumps in engine rooms, steel forging equipment, or draglines in surface mines — or compromising speech intelligibility.

Real-time personal noise exposure monitoring and fit check validation to prevent hearing loss. Through patented in-ear dosimetry, microphones inside each eartip measure every sound that reaches the user's ear, supplying continuous monitoring of personal noise exposure. Audible and visual signals alert workers when they are approaching or have met their daily noise dose. This enables safety managers and workers to address the potential of noise-induced hearing loss in real time. Not only can this information prevent further occupational hearing loss, it can improve productivity by streamlining worker deployment, matching shift hours with permissible exposures more efficiently. In addition, a patented automatic fit check at startup performs a quick calibration check to detect proper fit, and to validate adequate hearing protection and clear communication in each ear. Users are alerted if a minimum level of protection is not achieved and a refit is required.

Intrinsically safe for use throughout potentially explosive environments.

Based on customers' continuing experience with QUIETPRO, the technology is now being introduced to the oil and gas industry — as an advanced communications and hearing protection solution for use on offshore oil platforms.

In addition, the QUIETPRO system has received the NTNU and SINTEF Technology Award — recognizing the technology as a pioneering, first-time application of innovative and advanced technology and its significant value-creating potential for business, industry and/or society in general.

About Honeywell Safety Products
Honeywell Safety Products is the global provider of Howard Leight® passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight products have helped wearers prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating MAX® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/HowardLeight.

About Honeywell
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.